One of the most important things about being a vampire seems to be avoiding unnecessary attention and hiding. In fact, most times that vampires are wiped out it’s because they weren’t able to hide their presence. Some leave bodies while others attempt blatant world conquests, which attracts enemies. That’s why many will consider it smarter to stay in the shadows and only emerge for food, turning others, or stalking a high school for jailbait as if that’s normal for an immortal. Seriously, what is it with vampires and girls who are under eighteen?

One can touch on a variety of tactics for vampires to use, but many of them boil down to blending in. Sure, you can survive by isolating yourself or living with only your own kind like is done within Nyte. Yet, there are many who try to exist within the societies that they knew when they were mortals. It isn’t easy and tends to be done by those who are young because they are still attached to their old lives. You also have those that make a living off gathering food for others, which means they need to stay in the cities. This might be way so many of them get killed too because it’s difficult to blend in. Yet, it isn’t impossible if you’re smart about it.

Dawn Fangs certainly have it easier because of their immunity to daylight and functional hearts, so we’re going to put those aside for now. Other vampires have to find ways around their weaknesses, which change depending on the world. Sunlight weaknesses when functioning only at night, which isn’t as difficult as we think. Just find a place to lay low during the day, which can be an apartment. Make those around you think you work at night and keep the door locked to avoid getting barged in on. Nobody is really going to question you that much, especially if you’re quietly sleeping during the day. They won’t know if you’re in or out. Crosses are avoided by claiming to be Jewish or atheist, garlic comes down to an allergy, and running water doesn’t have to be crossed that often in the first place. As far as staking and decapitation, those weaknesses tend to only come about when a vampire has been discovered. Besides, most living things will die without a head or a sharp object in its heart.

The hardest part about blending in for a vampire is actually social. The longer you live, the more out of touch with current technology and trends you become. We can accept someone not knowing computers if they’re at a certain age, but vampires rarely look that old. Imagine running into a person who looks to be in his 30’s and is more comfortable with an abacus or hates pens. It brings that unwanted attention from those around them, which increases the risk of getting killed. In order to avoid this, vampires would have to stay up to date with society. Long ago, this would have been done by turning mortals who would help you learn or act as your agents while you go into the shadows. Now, vampires can take online courses or read books that will help them. The biggest thing here is putting in the time to blend in, which separates the smart survivors from the id-driven monsters.

As I said, Dawn Fangs have it much easier because they are closer to mortals than other vampires. This is why Legends of Windemere had a few in the background in a similar fashion to elves, dwarves, and the other races. While it hasn’t happened yet, the Dawn Fangs do assimilate into Windemere society. Still, they had a long period of pretending to be mortals and hiding their true nature. The biggest challenge for them is restraining their powers and strength. There’s a heady excitement with Dawn Fangs because of the raw power that they possess, so they always have an urge to function at full strength. This is especially true when their three abilities, which are connected to their personalities. That means they are more inclined to have a constant use for them. Lame example, but imagine having fire-control because you love barbecues. Yet, using this power means you’ll out yourself as a vampire. It will take a lot of training and concentration to not do even the slightest thing like lighting a candle or fixing the pilot light on a stove. So, Dawn Fangs have to put extra work into acting mortal from almost the opposite end of a spectrum from traditional vampires. They aren’t trying to keep up, but are slowing themselves down.

So, what tips would you give a vampire for blending in?

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About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.

The world the Dawn Fangs are is rather different from Earth, so I don’t think they could work as vigilantes. There’s also the question of if a vampire would consider someone a villain that human society wouldn’t. I also wanted to keep the Dawn Fangs as some kind of predator, which is why I went for them being able to feed without killing. This way they can still be some kind of monster in Windemere. It’s very much a balancing act here because if I go too far to one side then they lose part of what I need them to be.

You have this subject covered well. I’d say try to keep as current as possible. Instead of arguing that of course the world is flat, try listening to the youngsters who might know a thing or two about current issues before draining them of their blood.

I never really understood why Vampires can’t cross running water, does that prevent them from using bridges too?
As far as tips for Vampires, making an identity as a reclusive millionaire might be perfect, you could hide away without anyone wondering why, plus those few risk takers who break into your compound are just asking to be your next meal.

Water is considered a purifying force, so creatures like vampires are supposed to be weakened by it. I believe some versions allow for bridges and it’s more that they can’t swim or wade across.

The only tough part with the reclusive millionaire is that it’s still a known identity. After 100 years, people will start to wonder and then the rumors can spread. The best way for that one to work is if you recreate yourself as an heir to make sure people don’t get suspicious.

I spend most of my day working on my computer, hate garlic with a passion, and don’t really have any rivers around here. Now I wonder if I’m a vampire. Could I have been turned without even realizing it??

I like your point about pretending to work nights. Although, if you have to pay rent on an apartment, actually finding a night job might not be out of the question. It might also be a way to keep current on the world.